25 attractions in Basel that are worth seeing

Cozy and pleasant for walks, Basel, located on the banks of the Rhine River, sits at the crossroads of the Swiss, German, and French borders. The art and culture of Basel place it alongside other outstanding cities of the world.

The Old Town (Altstadt) consists of alleys and streets with monumental attractions such as the Cathedral and the 15th-century Town Hall. However, these landmarks are just the beginning of the must-visit attractions in the city, and you'll soon see for yourself.

In this outstanding museum, you can enjoy the largest and richest assortment of artworks in Switzerland. A series of names speaks for itself: from the Renaissance, paintings by Konrad Witz, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Hans Holbein are represented (the museum grew from an early collection of his works).

Additionally, you'll find Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Rubens. Regarding the 19th century, you can admire works by Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin. The Art Museum has a whole room dedicated to the works of Picasso. The collection of 20th-century art features works by Giacometti, Klee, Franz Marc, Braque, and Chagall.

Address: Kunstmuseum Basel, Sankt Alban-Graben, Basel, Switzerland.

The Old Town (Altstadt) is home to numerous Swiss national monuments. If you register at the tourist office, you'll be offered several themed walks through Greater Basel on the left bank and Lesser Basel on the right bank of the Rhine. As seen from the available signs, the oldest buildings in the Old Town date back to the 14th century.

Once, historical figures like Erasmus of Rotterdam, a 16th-century theologian and humanist, walked these streets. We will later tell you about many iconic places in the Old Town. Special attention should be paid to Münsterplatz, the unusual townhouses on Petersgasse, and the amusing fountain at Andreasplatz.

Address: Altstadt Grossbasel, Basel, Switzerland.

Another outstanding feature of the city is the medieval Basel Cathedral and its 60-meter-tall towers, Georgsturm and Martinsturm. The cathedral is a mesmerizing structure with pink walls made of red sandstone and a glazed roof featuring a beautiful pattern. Much of the cathedral's architecture dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

The cathedral was built after the earthquake in 1356, which destroyed the tall medieval Romanesque church that stood there. One of the earlier elements is the main gate, partially destroyed by iconoclasts during the Reformation.

But the Gothic archivolts (the frame of the arched opening) remain, depicting: angels, prophets, roses, kings, and images of Abraham. To the right of it, you can see the 'Tempter' courting a young maiden. Snakes and toads behind him symbolize evil. For 5 euros, you can climb the narrow spiral staircase of the tower to view Basel and the Rhine.

Address: Basel Minster, Münsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.

The best way to start your acquaintance with the delightful Old Town is at Marktplatz, adorned with the bright red façade of the 16th-century Town Hall. From here, head 400 meters west along Spalenberg through the former artisan district to the 600-year-old city gates, Spalentor, one of three that survived the demolition of the walls in 1866.

Pay attention to the charming alleys of Spalenberg, Heuberg, and Leonhardsberg, lined with centuries-old houses in impeccable condition.

Address: Marktplatz, Basel, Switzerland.

The majestic Town Hall fits perfectly into the city center. Marktplatz, located right in front of it, is a connecting link with Basel's tram network, and locals and tourists flock to the square for their daily shopping. The huge Town Hall building made of red sandstone on Marktplatz was constructed in the early 16th century.

It's clear that no expense was spared in its construction. The façade showcases many curious symbols: for example, 12 coats of arms from the old Swiss Confederation (including Basel's), decorating the crenellations at the top of the building. Passing through the archway, you'll see a beautiful courtyard with a 17th-century fresco by Hans Bock and a statue of the Roman founder of Basel, Lucius Munatius Plancus, created in 1580.

Address: Rathaus Basel-Stadt, Marktplatz, Basel, Switzerland.

In the Solitude Park on the right bank of the Rhine stands the museum of kinetic sculptor Jean Tinguely from the 20th century. His strange, overly complex machines are constructed in the spirit of Dadaism. Through them, Tinguely mocks mass production and materialism. These whimsical machines, however, are quite entertaining and can be used for interactive games, making it interesting for children.

To operate them, you need to press various buttons and pull levers. The exhibition recounts Tinguely's career from the 1950s to the 1980s. One of his last works is Grosse Méta Maxi-Maxi Utopia from 1987: a jumble of pulleys, wooden wheels, and electric motors with steps.

Address: Museum Tinguely, Paul Sacher-Anlage, Basel, Switzerland.

The Gewerbe Mill has been producing paper since 1453. Since 1980, it has been an active museum where you can learn about historical methods of paper-making, printing, and binding. Waterwheel-powered machines transform wood pulp into sheets of paper.

On the first floor, you can create your own sheet of paper. Upstairs are old printing machines, and with a pen, you can improve your calligraphy. The art of bookbinding and ebru is demonstrated on the upper floor.

Address: Basel Paper Mill, Sankt Alban-Tal, Basel, Switzerland.

The Basel Historical Museum consists of four buildings. Three are located within the city, and one, the Museum of Horses and Transportation, is in Münchenstein to the southeast. The most interesting objects are in the converted Barfüsserkirche and belong to the late medieval period.

Inside, you can view works from the cathedral's treasury, collections of coins and stained glass, tapestries, altars, and items from Erasmus. Perhaps the most curious exhibit is the fresco Danse Macabre, attributed to the 15th-century artist Konrad Witz.

Address: Historisches Museum Basel - Barfüsserkirche, Barfüsserplatz, Basel, Switzerland.

Basel was once protected by two rows of city walls. The inner wall was built around 1230, and after the earthquake in 1356, a new outer wall with 40 towers was erected to accommodate the growing city. Almost all of these walls were demolished in the 19th century to allow Basel to grow and ensure a healthier urban environment.

Three gates remain, with Spalentor being the most impressive. It controlled the western approach to the city from France and was part of the outer wall started in the 1350s. Alongside two towers and the façade's pattern, you can find many decorations, such as the Basel coat of arms framed by two lions.

Address: Spalentor, Spalenvorstadt, Basel, Switzerland.

Few zoos can boast such diversity as Basel, where you can see more than 640 species of animals, birds, and fish. This is the largest and oldest zoo in the country, built in 1874, but it has a very modern approach to enclosure design. Each year, expansions and renovations are made, and in 2016, a new home for elephants was opened - over 5000 square meters.

The aquarium (vivarium) is a perennial favorite, hosting nearly 500 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, including royal and sub-Antarctic penguins. The most famous resident of the zoo is Goma, the first western lowland gorilla born in Europe. In 2017, she turned 58.

Address: Zoo Basel, Binningerstrasse, Basel, Switzerland.

To reach the viewing platform of Pfalz, you must go behind the cathedral, circling it from either side. From the back of the cathedral, there is a wonderful view of the Rhine and rows of houses on the right bank in Lesser Basel.

These houses are located above the landing place Münst ferry, roughly where the former episcopal palace of Basel stood. The viewing platform has a telescope, and the benches are shaded by trees, making it a perfect spot for a light outdoor lunch.

Address: Pfalz, Pfalz, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.

Basel is home to the only museum in the country dedicated entirely to ancient civilizations. This includes Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Near Eastern, and Roman objects dating back over 3000 years BCE. The collections were first assembled in the 17th century.

In its current form, the museum opened in 1986 - after a significant donation from industrialist Peter Ludwig. One of the most remarkable items from Ancient Greece is an intact Laconian wine pouring vessel from the 6th century, while the Egyptian galleries are rich in jewels, sculptures, and sarcophagi.

Address: Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig, Sankt Alban-Graben, Basel, Switzerland.

The theme of this museum is based on the history of medicine in the Old Town. If you're still curious about what to see in Basel and if you're tired of cathedrals and squares, this option is sure to interest you. This building housed a publishing house in the early 16th century, partially owned by Johann Froben, a close friend of Erasmus who often visited.

The number of artifacts here is truly impressive. Ceramic jars from floor to ceiling make a lasting impression. Additionally, you'll see first-aid kits, laboratory instruments, entire pharmacy interiors (including offices), bizarre contraptions for practicing alchemy, and preserved remnants of historical medicines.

But perhaps the most exciting are the books from the 15th and 16th centuries by physicians Johann de Cuba and Leonhart Fuchs.

Address: Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel, Totengässlein, Basel, Switzerland.

Located at Barfüsserplatz, the museum captivates both adults and children alike. The entrance to the five-story building is open to all. The museum houses over 6000 dolls, miniatures, and dollhouses. An army of more than 2500 plush bears is sure to impress anyone.

Many exhibits are interactive, including miniature scenes that light up, play music, and have moving parts. Although it's hard to believe, this cornucopia of toys was collected by just one person, the German-Swiss billionaire Gisela Oeri.

Address: Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, Steinenvorstadt, Basel, Switzerland.

This museum is located six kilometers from the city on the border with Germany and is worth every second of the trip. You will find an amazing collection of contemporary art from the 20th-century dealers Ernst Beyeler and Hilda Kunz. In the 1990s, the museum became home to a collection of 200 works from the Renzo Piano project.

You will enjoy 23 works by Picasso and paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Francis Bacon, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Warhol, Monet, and Cézanne.

Address: Fondation Beyeler, Baselstrasse, Basel, Switzerland.

The Rhine flows so swiftly through Basel that ferries don't need any engines except the river's flow. Four ferries operate between the bridges over the Rhine. This is public transport. The river also features 'Badhisli' swimming spots, where strong swimmers face the current while all who wish to relax can do so in the shallow water.

In the summer, these places boast a resort-like atmosphere, with people sunbathing and socializing on café terraces. Outside the city, the Rhine replaces the sea for vacationers. In summer, beaches are set up here, water sports are available, and there are barbecue areas.

Address: Wettsteinbrücke, Wettsteinbrücke, Basel, Switzerland.

The Basel Museum of Contemporary Art, located in an old paper mill, contains many outstanding works from 1960 to the present. Here you will find paintings and sculptures by artists such as Chagall, de Chirico, Dalí, Braque, Mondrian, Klee, Giacometti, Moore, and Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely.

This was the first public museum in Europe dedicated exclusively to works of art created at the end of the 20th century.

Address: Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart, Sankt Alban-Rheinweg, Basel, Switzerland.

The House at the 'Cherry Orchard', one of the finest patrician houses in Basel, was built between 1775 and 1780 in the early classical style. This building served as the home and office of a prosperous silk ribbon manufacturer in Basel and is also among the best museums of everyday life in Switzerland.

All 25 furnished rooms showcase exhibits of furniture of a wealthy 18th-century family, as well as world-renowned collections of decorative arts. The collection features porcelain from the Pauls-Eisenbeiss Foundation, a significant collection of wall and wristwatches, as well as various types of Basel silver and scientific instruments.

Address: Basel Historical Museum - Haus zum Kirschgarten, Elisabethenstrasse, Basel, Switzerland.

Since Basel is located right on the international border, some of its suburbs extend into Germany and France. The same can be said for the Vitra Design Museum, which, although considered a Basel institution, is just a five-minute train ride from downtown Basel across the German border.

By any measure, this is one of the most important design museums in the world. The building itself is a landmark, designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Inside, various exhibitions are held - two or three a year - exploring contemporary and historical trends and themes in design. The museum is known for its stunning, provocative shows.

Address: Vitra Design Museum, Charles-Eames-Straße, Weil am Rhein, Germany.

The foundation of this museum contains almost eight million objects and artifacts relating to zoology, anthropology, and archaeology. Its mission is to maintain an archive of human and animal life in the region.

The museum features numerous life-size exhibits, as well as hands-on activities that educate and entertain curious children and adults.

Address: Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Augustinergasse, Basel, Switzerland.

It's hard to believe that this bridge, a symbol of Basel, has been crossing the swift Rhine, connecting elevated Grossbasel (Greater Basel) with the unassuming Kleinbasel (Lesser Basel) since 1226. A walk across it is invariably impressive.

Address: Mittlere Brücke, Mittlere Brücke, Basel, Switzerland.

Merian Garten is one of the most beautiful parks in Basel, located on the outskirts of the city - a place to relax and enjoy yourself. Highlights include the largest collection of irises in Europe (over 1500 species), an English garden, and a valley of rhododendrons not to be missed.

Address: Merian Garten, Merian Gärten, Vorder Brüglingen, Basel, Switzerland.

In Rheinfelden, you'll find Feldschlösschen Brewery, located 18 km east of Basel in a 19th-century building whose name means 'little castle in the field'. Two-hour tours in German are held here with beer tastings. The brewery is a 10-minute walk from Rheinfelden train station.

Address: Brauerei Feldschlösschen, Theophil Roniger-Strasse, Rheinfelden, Switzerland.

About 17 km east of Basel, on the southern bank of the Rhine, are the largest Roman ruins in Switzerland. These are the last remnants of the colony founded in 43 BC. By the 2nd century AD, it had a population of 20,000 people. Today visitors can stroll through the scattered ruins, where one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Central Europe is located.

When visiting the ruins, don't forget to stop by the Roman Museum (Römermuseum), where you will see an authentically restored Roman house and a unique collection of antique silver comprising 270 items.

Address: Augusta Raurica, Giebenacherstrasse, Augst, Switzerland.